“You are forgiven,” Old White granted easily. “My young friend here will also forgive you, but it takes him longer. He hasn’t had quite the breadth of experience I have. Youth and all, you know.”
Trader added dryly, “You are forgiven, Wolf Tail. A war chief’s first duty is to protect his people from all enemies.”
Wolf Tail glanced sidelong at the square. “Personally, I am just as glad that the Kala Hi’ki has offered you his protection. I don’t like war … or the things that come of it.”
“A peculiar notion for a war chief,” Old White granted.
The warrior shrugged. “When called upon, my men and I do what must be done. We do it very well, and while some chafe, and wish me replaced so they could seek greater glory on the war trail, I would as soon avoid the fighting.” He glanced at Trader. “When it is all finished, win or lose, someone must weep. Children lose parents, and the defeated are always driven to retaliation. Or do Chikosi enjoy weeping for their dead?”
“No one does,” Trader replied. “I may indeed be younger than the Seeker, but I have traveled far, and seen many peoples. Warfare, like everything else, must be kept in balance.” He paused, studying Wolf Tail. “For a man who claims to lack tact, I think a great deal more goes on inside that head of yours.”
Wolf Tail grinned. “It is good to have the respect of one’s adversary.”
“You have mine, War Chief,” Old White added. “Did your warriors receive the gifts we sent?” Small packages of mint tea had been parceled out from one of Trader’s packs and sent to each of the warriors.
“They did. I would thank you. It was an unnecessary gesture. They were just following orders. Reluctantly, I’ll admit, but they obeyed despite their wishes to simply smack you in the heads and toss your bodies into the river.”
“Our arrival caused them inconvenience,” Old White added. “It was only fair given that they carried our packs to the temple.”
Wolf Tail gave him a thin smile. “My understanding is that the Kala Hi’ki is Healing the Contrary?”
“And making good progress,” Old White reported.
“I have also heard that you will be with us until solstice.”
“At least,” Trader said, signaling Swimmer to stop sniffing at Wolf Tail’s leg.
Old White prayed the dog wouldn’t mistake it for a tree.
“In that case I hope our hospitality makes up for our welcome.”
“It will,” Old White said agreeably. “We were just on the way to pay a visit to your chief. It seems he has been most curious about us.”
“A great many people are.” Wolf Tail paused. “I have only heard vague rumors about Power, the Chikosi, and trouble ahead.”
Trader added fervently, “Yes, well, Power has certainly given us a few surprises. As to the Chikosi and trouble, I fall into your camp. I would rather avoid it.”
“What do you think about their attack on the Chaktaw ?”
“What attack?” Old White and Trader said simultaneously.
“They surprised White Arrow Town in retaliation for a raid. It was remarkably efficient. They swam down the river at night, taking the town immediately after the matron’s daughter married the White Arrow war chief. They captured the high minko, the Alikchi Hopaii, and many others. A great many were killed. The Chaktaw are reeling.”
Old White frowned. “We have heard nothing of it. We have been upriver. We had hoped to descend the Horned Serpent River, Trading all the way. Are the Chaktaw preparing for war against the Chikosi?”
Wolf Tail studied them thoughtfully. “For the moment they are strengthening their defenses. They expect a series of attacks when the weather warms. This new Chikosi war chief, Smoke Shield, is an ambitious man. Now that he has tasted success, with no battle losses, he is going to think about settling old scores.”
“This could be trouble,” Old White told Trader.
“It could indeed.” Trader frowned. “I wonder who this Smoke Shield is? Have you ever heard of him?”
“No. But I have been long gone from these parts. This could complicate things for us.” Old White turned to Wolf Tail. “You have taken precautions, I hope.”
“Odd words for a Chikosi, no matter how long removed from his people.” Wolf Tail lifted an eyebrow.
“War is bad for the Trade,” Trader added. “Things have become difficult enough without having armies of warriors marching the trails. You need look no farther than the Michigamea to see the effect it has on the movement of goods along the rivers.”
“Who started this trouble between the Chaktaw and Chikosi?” Old White asked.